USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 65
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In the year 1814, Charles McCloud, Sr., emigrated to Darby Township and bought a farm on the plains, lying adjacent to the post road. Here he supported his family from the products of his farm. His farm products were of a mixed character. Like others, however, the grazing of cattle was found to be the more remunerativo; therefore, in the latter part of his life, this was made a specialty. After the death of his wife, he sold his home, and lived the balance of his days with his children. He died at his son-in- law's in 1844. He was the father of two sons. The oldest of these, Cur- tis McCloud, married and lived on a small farm in the Converse settlement until his death. His oldest son is the present John C. McCloud, Esq., of London.
Charles McCloud, the youngest of these sons, lived and worked on the farm of his father until of age, at which time his inclination and desire for
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a profession induced him to select the science of medicine as being the most congenial to his nature. To accomplish this object, he went to Granville and studied medicine under a physician of that place, Dr. Alpheus Bigelow. After completing his studies, he returned and settled in Amity, and for many years, by close application and undivided attention, he was not only a successful physician, but a shining ornament to the profession. His skill in the treatment of diseases gave him notoriety and an extended field of usefulness. But, like many others in a new country like this, with almost impassable roads at times, he became weary of the hardships incident to the profession; therefore, he longed for a more retired and less responsible life. To accomplish this, he, in company with Wesley Carpenter, purchased quite an extensive tract of land below Amity, with a view of making stock- raising and farming a specialty; but, by a few years' experience in this new enterprise, he was convinced of the fact that bone and muscle, especially in those days. were among the essential features of success. He therefore sold his interest in the farm to Mr. Carpenter, and immediately purchased a large stock of dry goods and groceries, and entered into business at Amity. Here he remained until after that place was visited by the Asiatic cholera. Some of his own family were among those that were victims of this terrible epidemic. He subsequently sold his property and purchased in Plain City, where he engaged largely in the mercantile trade. In 1844, he was elected member of the Ohio State Legislature, which position he filled creditably to himself and satisfactorily to his constituents. He was a prominent pol- itician, and more or less engaged in discussing the political issues of the day. In the great political contest of 1840, Dr. McCloud was the promi- nent politician of the county. His position and activity during this cam- paign gave him eminence as a political speaker. The renown won during this and subsequent campaigns so favorably impressed the minds of the peo- ple in his behalf that, when the call was made for a new constitution, by an overwhelming majority Dr. McCloud was the people's choice as a member of the Constitutional Convention of Ohio. He never played the part of a drone in the high political positions conferred upon him by the people. but was over watchful in guarding the interests and liberties of his constituents. But alas! the stern decree, "Dust thou art!" Ah, death! thou didst mark him as thy victim, and in the midst of a life of usefulness and honor, he was called to bid adieu to earth. Many were the sorrowing hearts when it was announced, " Dr. Charles McCloud is dead." He died at his home in Plain City, in the year 1860. His widow is yet living, and a resident of that place. There were two sons-the eldest, R. C. McCloud, a resident of Plain City, and an active business man of that place. In the year 1874, he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and is an active worker in the political party to which he belongs. His business occupation is that of a druggist, and among the oldest establishments of Plain City. The young. est, Newton McCloud, is a resident of Marysville, Union County. He also is largely engaged in the drug trade, and these establishments are owned in copartnership by the brothers.
Very early in the settlement of the country, Titus Dort came to Darby Township and purchased a farm about one mile sonth of Plain City, devot- ing a part of his time to the agricultural pursuits. But, as he was a black- smith by trade, the most of his time for many years was spent in the latter business, it being a very important trade at this time, as the people were dependent upon the common blacksmith for most of their farm implements, such as trace-chains, hoes, axes, plows, and many other necessary and indis-
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
pensable articles. Many of these farm implements were truly cumbersome, but they supplied a link in the chain of necessity. Late in life, Mr. Dort moved to Frankfort, Union County, where he died many years ago. A few of his descendants are living in the latter county.
In the year 1818, Samuel Smith, with a large family, came from the State of Vermont to Ohio, and settled in this township. He purchased a large tract of land, containing about six hundred acres. Mr. Smith (but more familiarly known by the name of Elder Smith, being a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church), being quite advanced in life, intrusted the management of the farm to his sons, devoting his time to the lighter work and the ministry of the Gospel. He, with many others, kept quite a num- ber of cows, for the purpose of raising cattle, and also for the profits aris- ing from butter and cheese. The Elder built the first brick house on the plains, which is still occupied, and in good condition. The roof of this house was made of pine shingles, purchased in Cincinnati, from the dairy products, and wagoned through an almost trackless wilderness, requiring two weeks or more to make the round trip.
James and John Smith, two of his sons, finally became the owners of the old homestead, and dealt quite extensively in cattle, giving their time and attention to their herds. They were among the first in this part of the county to introduce blooded stock, with a view to the improvement of the native cattle of the West. To more perfectly facilitate this improvement, an importing company was organized in this and Union Counties by taking shares therein. The money so raised was expended in the purchase of cattle from the best herds in Europe. This enterprise was not only profitable to the stockholders, but produced a wonderful revolution in the minds of the people as to the comparative value of the different grades of cattle. The large numbers of bovines that may be seen grazing on the prairies, with their fine proportions, is due to the efforts of this class of men. These men con- tinued in the cattle business for many years, but finally John sold his farm and removed to Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he died a few years since. James also went to Urbana at the same time, but, not selling his farm on the plains, he soon returned, where, in company with his son, they are still engaged in the cattle business, and are now residents of Union County. There were three other sons of Elder Smith. Baily and Samuel, Jr., lived here for a few years, and then moved to Franklin and Licking Counties Richard, the youngest of these brothers, through industry and economy in his younger days, became the owner of a good farm on the plains, but, by the dire effects of disease, that incapacitated him for the active dn- ties of life. he gave his property into the hands of his children, with whom he lived until his death.
Simeon Hager was born in 1766; emigrated to Ohio and settled in this township in 1814. He soon thereafter purchased a farm noar Plain City. His occupation was that of farming. He was highly respected for his Christian integrity and uprightness, a peaceable, quiet and inoffensive man. He died at his home in 1843. Those of his sons that were residents in the State were Simeon Hager, Jr., a surveyor by profession, who lived and died in Plain City; Baldwin Hager was a resident of Union County at his death: Braynard is now a resident of Woods County. Aurelius Hager, the youngest son, was the owner of a portion of the old homestead. This property quite recently was surveyed into lots, and is embraced in Hager & Lombard's Addition to Plain City. He is a carpenter by trade, and highly esteemed for his uprightness. He was a soldier in the war of the rebellion.
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DARBY TOWNSHIP.
In the year 1817, Isaac Bigelow came to this part of Ohio and pur- chased a tract of land, a portion of which embraces the territory in part now comprising the town of Plain City. This purchase was made with a view of making it a stock farm; but the tide of emigration seemed to be in the direction of Central Ohio. The principal trading points then were Zanesville, Chillicothe, Cincinnati and Sandusky. There were, however, a few other smaller and less important places of trade. From the cities above mentioned the early settlers purchased their salt, glass, nails, as well as many other necessary articles for the family. For the future convenience and development of this part of the county, Mr. Bigelow conceived the idea of laying ont a town. to meet the demands and wants of the people. Ac- cordingly, in the year 1818, the original town was laid out; but a more minute description will be given in the proper place. Mr. Bigelow, being a physician by profession, made the practice of medicine a specialty for many years. He, however retired from the active business affairs of life, and lived many years in the enjoyment of home in his newly laid out town.
Dr. Daniel Bigelow, a brother to Isaac, came here in the year 1831. His whole life was spent in the active labors of a practicing physician. He was ever ready to attend all calls in his profession, and his greatest delight was embodied in his efforts to mitigate the sufferings of his fellow creatures, or cheer them as they approached the dark valley to the tomb. He was so- ciable, pleasing and winning in his manner: his presence in the sick-room dispersed the gloom of his patients; and in a word, cheerfulness was trace- able in every lineament of his features. His office and residence were on his farm. In his death, not only his family relatives suffered a bereave- ment, but the community in which he lived felt deeply their loss.
Israel Bigelow, the father of Isaac and Daniel, came here in 1828, and purchased property in Plain City. He also was a physician, and for several years practice I medicine in Plain City and its surroundings. Though ad- vanced in life, he was ever willing to visit the sick and render professional aid. He died in Plain City in 1838. I. E. Bigelow, the only one living here, was the son of Dr. Daniel Bigelow. He is the owner in part of the homestead of his youth. Farming has been his principal occupation. At one time. however, in connection with it, he was engaged in the mercantile business in Plain City. His biography will appear in the proper place.
Eber McDowell came to this township in the year 1818. and purchased a farm about two miles west of the Converse settlement. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. The regiment to which he belonged was ordered to re- enforce the troops at Plattsburg, hut arrived too late to participate in the bloody contest. At the battle of Lake Erie, his regiment, with others, was guarding the approach and landing of the British forces on the American shore, where he witnessed on the lake the hard-fought battle of Commodore Perry's victory He was full of the patriotic spirit of '76, and when the Southern rebellion broke ont, as old as he was, he was anxious to shoulder the musket and march to the battle-field in defense of the stars and stripes. With others. he experienced much of the hard times incident to the early set- tlers. Though the price of land was seemingly very low, yet all the farm products were correspondingly reduced; and, in order to make the last pay- ment for his home, he sold and delivered 200 bushels of corn to Mr. Wright, of Dublin, Franklin County, for 10 cents per bushel. This delivery was made by wagoning, with a heavy pair of cattle, a distance of fifteen miles, requiring two days to make a round trip. These cattle were also sold to the same party for $27. The money thus obtained enabled him to procure
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
a deed for the farm on which he spent bis days. He died at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Samnel McDowell, the only child living, became the owner of the home of his youth, and was a resident of this township for fifty years or more. He made farming a success. In the decline of life. he retired from active business, sold his farm, and is now a resident of the city of Columbus, owning stock in the Wassal Fire Clay Company of that city. There are a few of the descendants of this family residents of Plain City. The most, if not all, are the children and grandchildren of T. L. McDowell, the most of whose life was spent in this township. He was a mechanic, devoting his time to his trade, and for many years a resident of Plain City.
Amos Beach emigrated from Vermont to this township in 1814. He was the owner of a small farm on the plains, where he lived and successfully managed until about the year 1830. Selling his property here. he pur- chased land in Jerome Township, Union County. He laid out the town of Pleasant Hill, but afterward called Frankfort. Here he lived for many years, or until after the death of his wife. He then became a resident of Plain City, where he died a few years since.
In the year 1810, Abner and David Chapman, two brothers, came to this township. The former of these purchased a farm near Plain City. where he resided for a few years. Being a man of good education, a portion of his time for several years was devoted to school-teaching. He. however, sold this farm and purchased another on the banks of Big Darby. In the creation of Union County in 1820. he was included in the territory of said county. David Chapman, a young man of good education, and a surveyor by profession, taught school, and did a large amount of surveying for Wal- ter Dun, of Virginia. At this time, there were pieces or parcels of land that had been unentered by former speculators. Many of these were now entered and patented by Mr. Chapman He subsequently married a daugh- ter of Joshna Ewing, and for several years thereafter lived at his farm on the plains. He, however, moved to Union County, and from thence to the State of Iowa.
William McCune, a step-son of Andrew Noteman. came with the latter in 1803, who settled on the east bank of Big Darby, immediately opposite to the Indian village or camping-grounds above referred to. Mr. Noteman lived here for many years. In the creation of Union County, he was in- cluded in its territory. But the step-son above referred to commenced early in life to support himself. At the age of twelve years, he went to Frank- linton to learn the blacksmith's trade. Here he remained for some time. and assisted in forging the nails that were used in building the old State House at Columbus. The clay for the first bricks made here was taken from the mound near what is now Mound street. Columbus Mr McCune after- ward went to Buck Creek and learned the tanning business, and, after com- pleting his trade, he came back. purchased and moved on a farm near Plain City. Mr. McCune's tannery was one among the first in this part of the county. Here was a want kindly appreciated by the people, and his thor- ongh knowledge of the business, in connection with his honesty, won for him a large proportion of the custom of the county. A few years prior to his death, he became entirely blind. His home was ent off from Darby in 1820.
Richard Morgridge, with his family, emigrated from the State of Con- necticut to Licking County, Ohio. in the year 1816. Here he was compelled to remain, in consequence of sickness in his family. He was a man of some
Holm way lon
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property. He emigrated with a good pair of horses and wagon, and with him he brought a large box of Yankee clocks, being purchased very cheap in his native State, but were here sold at great profit. All this property was soon converted into cash; but, being on many different bank issues, he went to Marietta, and there exchanged it for the Muskingum Valley Bank notes of that place. Within a very short time thereafter, this banking house broke and closed business, being entirely insolvent. Consequently, his property was gone and he made penniless. Here he remained for three years, but the sickness of his family incurred expenses that he was unable to meet. In 1819, he purchased a yoke of oxen, and with them moved his family to this township. He contracted with Walter Dun for a farm of 130 acres, about one mile west of the Converse settlement. The debts incurred in Licking County were still hanging over him, and his creditors came and attached all his chattel property; but, this being insufficient to satisfy the claims, his body also was taken by the Sheriff, to be lodged in the county jail for. debt. But, before leaving home with the officer, his wife placed in his hands all the money in their possession. being $1.30. After they had proceeded some distance. it occurred to Mr. Morgridge that the law required the creditor to support the debtor while in jail, if he had no means of supporting himself. Therefore, he made an excuse to stop by the roadside, where he secretly placed his money under a rail in the fence, near a large tree. After their arrival at London, a search was instituted, and he was found without any means of supporting himself. The creditor was then required to give bonds for the maintenance of the prisoner while in jail, and this he refused to do, whereupon Mr. Morgridge was set free. Richard Morgridge never completed the payments for his farm, but, after his death. the family met those obligations. In this family there were nine children, all of whom are dead but three. The oldest of those living is J. Bailey Morgridge, now living at the old homestead. He was born in Connecticut in 1814. His educational advantages were very limited, having never studied grammar or geography in the schoolroom. His education, which is by no means limit- ed, was obtained by a diligent application of his time at home. His com . prehensive knowledge of the different branches of education secured for him the position of teacher in many of the subdistricts in this part of Mad- ison County. The winter months were devoted to teaching, and the sum- mer to farming. This was continned for many years, making the whole time spent in teaching equal to three and a fourth years.
There were others whose descendants have long since emigrated to re- mote or unknown parts, and among those were Marquis, Petty, Nickels. Frazell, and perhaps some others that were among the pioneers of Darby. The emigration to this part of the county from 1812 to 1820 was truly wonderful, as is evident from the preceding history. The larger portion of emigrants were from the New England States, the soil of which was so in- ferior to that of this county that the latter became proverbial for its fertil- ity and productiveness. Prior to 1822, the prospective outlook for a rapid and early development of her resources was truly flattering; but alas! all those bright anticipations in 1822 and 1823 were followed by an impene- trable cloud of gloom, draped with disease and death that threatened de population, a description of which will be found in the general history of the county. The shock thus produced was severely felt all over the county, but more especially in Darby and Canaan Townships. There was no more emigration until 1830 and 1832. The only occupants from 1823 to 1830 were the survivors of those two sickly seasons, and even some of these re-
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
turned to their native States or settled elsewhere. A large per cent of the present inhabitants of Darby Township are descendants of these pioneer families.
A few of the leading early settlers will receive a passing notice. E. W. Barlow, Sr., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Major of a regiment of militia volunteers. He was ordered to New Orleans, and was in the bat- tle fought there by Gen. Jackson. Maj. Barlow came to this township in 1830 and purchased a farm on Sugar Run, where he lived for many years. He subsequently came to Plain City, and here died. In the year 1828, Jesse Lombard, with a large family, came from Kentucky to this township. His farm purchase was made on the plains, where he followed dairying and stock-raising for many years. In the decline of life, he sold this farm and moved to Plain City, where he died in 1875. Farmery Hemenway, a na- tive of the Green Mountain State, emigrated with his large family to Darby in 1830. His farm was situated about two miles southwest of Plain City. He was the most extensive dairyman on the prairies, shipping the products to Columbus and other markets. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace, a man of untarnished character and sterling worth. He subsequently became a resident of Union County, where he died in 1872. The most of this large family are dead. The only one living in this township is the wife of Dr. J. Converse.
EARLY STOCK SPECULATORS.
In the early history of the township, as well as that of the county, there were but few of this class of men, and those few supplied a want very much needed and appreciated by the first settlers. To raise cattle and hogs was not very difficult or expensive: but the difficulty consisted in getting them to market. There were but few marketable points within reach of the settlements, and the demands at these were in limited numbers only. The Government Agencies at Sandusky and Detroit were ready purchasers for a small amount of this class of farm products. Subsequently, however, in the latter place, Canadian speculators purchased largely of cattle and hogs that were packed for the English markets. In addition to these places, Cincinnati, Chillicothe and Cleveland did a small amount of this kind of business. Here, then, were the points of trade; but to reach them was a difficult task. All this stock must necessarily be driven on foot a dis- tance of from 100 to 200 miles, with such surroundings as are peculiar to a new country like this.
Butler Comstock, of Worthington, was among the first extensive cattle speculators in this township. His purchases were usually made in the spring, comprising one hundred or more four-year-old steers, for which he paid from $4 to $7 per head. These cattle were herded and grazed upon the prairies until early autumn, and then driven to some of the above mar- kets-Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Mr. Comstock continued this business for several years, with profit to himself and those of whom he purchased.
In the year 1818, a young man by the name of James Guy came from Canada to this township. Others of the family came at about the same time. James possessed fine business qualifications, and at once entered into the cattle trade -limited, however, at first; but, as his means increased, his purchases were correspondingly greater. The points of trade sought by him were in keeping with the kind and condition of his stock. His fat cattle, in the infancy of his speculations, were driven to Sandusky or De- troit, but his stock cattle were taken to the neighborhood of Chillicothe and sold to feeders along the Scioto bottoms. This method of doing business
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DARBY TOWNSHIP.
was too circumscribed to meet his enlarged views and speculative useful- ness. This increased trade upon his part was in keeping with the in- creased supply, for, by this time, the people had learned that stock-raising was the most profitable, if not the only industry that brought the ready cash. From 1830 to 1840, the price current for a four-year-old steer was from $7 to $10 per head. Mr. Guy in his traffic was not confined to this township or county; he therefore purchased large droves of cattle that were driven on foot over the Alleghany Mountains to Pittsburgh and Philadel- phia. Sometimes his droves assumed mammoth proportions, numbering from 300 to 500 head. He followed this business for nearly twenty years. At one time he was the owner of 1,500 acres of the finest grazing lands on the plains. In 1846, his speculative mind was turned to a new field of ac- tion. He, in company with David Mitchell, son of Judge Mitchell, entered largely into the pork-packing business at Columbus. Many thousand head were slaughtered, for which they paid from $5 to $6 per hundred; but be- fore this great bulk of pork was put upon the market, there came the great financial crash of 1847. like a sweeping tornado. carrying with it some of the best business firms and men of the county. Mr. Guy was therefore. wrecked upon the sand-bar of finance, and to him, like others with such ex- tensive ideas of speculations, disaster was an almost natural result. He lost all, and made an assignment to his creditors; but he was not the man to sit down and brood over the disasters of the past, for, when the Califor- nia gold fever swept over this continent, he went with an overland emigrant train to "Ophir," to gather the precious metal of that land. Here he re- mained four years, and came back with $5.000 of the shining dust, with which he purchased a farm. partly in this and Union Counties, where he lived until his death, in 1882.
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